Indigenous Peoples' Day: what is this holiday and how is it celebrated in the USA?
14 october 2024 в 17:13
October 14, 2024 — a day of remembrance, but some are confused as to whether it is recognized as a federal holiday. Waking up today, many wondered why certain businesses around them were closed. Does this mean that today is a federal holiday? Learn more about Indigenous Peoples Day (formerly known as Columbus Day) below.
Today is Indigenous Peoples Day, formerly known as Columbus Day. Federal offices and employees have the day off today. Some banks recognize the holiday, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Post offices are also closed today, meaning there is no incoming or outgoing mail. However, the stock markets are still open today.
Columbus Day was created to commemorate Christopher Columbus' arrival in America. The Italian explorer arrived in the Bahamas in 1492. Although Columbus was widely recognized for his exploration of America over the centuries, many spoke out against his enslavement and cruelty towards indigenous peoples.
The celebration of the holiday varies around the world and in the United States. Cities like San Francisco and New York mark Columbus Day with parades, while other communities across the country do not recognize the holiday at all.
Indigenous Peoples Day is dedicated to the contributions, history, and culture of Native Americans.
For decades, various American states have adopted different versions of Indigenous Peoples Day. In 1988, Hawaii recognized Columbus Day as Discoverers' Day, and South Dakota later adopted it as Native American Day in 1989. By 2015, several states had changed their observance from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day, including Alaska, Vermont, North Carolina, California, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oregon, and Texas. Other states have named the holiday differently to recognize both Italian heritage and the history of Native Americans, such as Alabama, which declared the holiday American Indian Heritage Day/Columbus Day.
After the majority of Americans recognized Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples Day, criticism arose from some public figures. In October 2020, Donald Trump criticized Joe Biden’s support for Indigenous Peoples Day, according to USA Today.
At that time, Trump issued a now-deleted proclamation, urging Americans to observe the holiday «with appropriate ceremonies and activities».
«Unfortunately, in recent years, radical activists have sought to undermine the legacy of Christopher Columbus», - the proclamation reportedly stated. «These extremists seek to replace discussions of his immense achievements with talks of his shortcomings, his discoveries — atrocities, and his accomplishments — misdeeds»
Today is Indigenous Peoples Day, formerly known as Columbus Day. Federal offices and employees have the day off today. Some banks recognize the holiday, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Post offices are also closed today, meaning there is no incoming or outgoing mail. However, the stock markets are still open today.
Columbus Day was created to commemorate Christopher Columbus' arrival in America. The Italian explorer arrived in the Bahamas in 1492. Although Columbus was widely recognized for his exploration of America over the centuries, many spoke out against his enslavement and cruelty towards indigenous peoples.
The celebration of the holiday varies around the world and in the United States. Cities like San Francisco and New York mark Columbus Day with parades, while other communities across the country do not recognize the holiday at all.
Indigenous Peoples Day is dedicated to the contributions, history, and culture of Native Americans.
For decades, various American states have adopted different versions of Indigenous Peoples Day. In 1988, Hawaii recognized Columbus Day as Discoverers' Day, and South Dakota later adopted it as Native American Day in 1989. By 2015, several states had changed their observance from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day, including Alaska, Vermont, North Carolina, California, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oregon, and Texas. Other states have named the holiday differently to recognize both Italian heritage and the history of Native Americans, such as Alabama, which declared the holiday American Indian Heritage Day/Columbus Day.
After the majority of Americans recognized Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples Day, criticism arose from some public figures. In October 2020, Donald Trump criticized Joe Biden’s support for Indigenous Peoples Day, according to USA Today.
At that time, Trump issued a now-deleted proclamation, urging Americans to observe the holiday «with appropriate ceremonies and activities».
«Unfortunately, in recent years, radical activists have sought to undermine the legacy of Christopher Columbus», - the proclamation reportedly stated. «These extremists seek to replace discussions of his immense achievements with talks of his shortcomings, his discoveries — atrocities, and his accomplishments — misdeeds»
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
